January 15, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA:
Today, a proposed rule to revise guidelines for National Standards 1, 3, and 7 was filed in the Federal Register. National Standards 1, 3, and 7 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act pertain to overfishing, rebuilding overfished stocks, and achieving optimum yield.
The objective of these proposed revisions is to improve and streamline the National Standard guidelines, address concerns raised during the implementation of annual catch limits and accountability measures, and provide flexibility within current statutory limits to address fishery management issues. The proposed revisions do not establish new requirements or require the regional fishery management councils to revise their current fishery management plans.
For more information and the proposed rule, please visit the Office of Sustainable Fisheries website.
NOAA Fisheries will accept public comments through June 30, 2015, to provide the opportunity for extensive public outreach, including through the regional fishery management council process.
After the close of the comment period, NOAA Fisheries will review the comments received and consider whether the rule needs to be further revised or finalized.
Please feel free to pass along this information to others who might be interested. For any questions, please contact Wes Patrick at (301) 427-8563 (wesley.patrick@noaa.gov).